Building Division


                    BEGINNING APRIL 19
NEW Building Division Counter Hours
                      
Monday – Thursday (Excluding Holidays)
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m
Friday by appointment
BUILDING DIVISION Overview

The Building Department reviews and inspects buildings and associated construction activities to protect public health, safety, and welfare pursuant to uniform construction codes governing land use and code enforcement.

Responsibilities of the Building Division include:

  • Performing plan review of new construction, additions, and remodels.
  • Reviews and ensures compliance of fire sprinklers and suppression systems for both commercial and residential properties.
  • Issues building permits and conducts construction inspection services for all projects including building, fire, roofing, electrical, plumbing, solar, and mechanical installations.
  • Ensures compliance with state and local codes, policies, guidelines, and standards of structures within the City limits.
Building PermitS

Go to City of Fortuna Permit Portal to create an account and submit your residential, commercial, or over-the-counter application. Some projects will also require hardcopy site plans. For more information call 707-725-1407.
SolarAPP+ Streamlined Solar Permits
Before applying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit, projects must follow certain requirements. At this time, SolarAPP+ is designed to provide a code-compliance check for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems. To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklist. Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting.
A processing fee will be charged by SolarAPP+.

Getting started:
If you are a licensed contractor or installer you may register for a new SolarAPP+ account. (Non-licensed/owner-builders must apply for a regular Solar Permit through the Permit Portal.)

  1. After registering with SolarAPP+, it's as simple as:  
    1. Apply for pre-approval on the SolarAPP+ website.
    2. Submit your solar plans to the Fortuna Fire Protection District for approval.
    3. Go to the online City of Fortuna Permit Portal.
    4. Select SolarAPP+ Solar Permit
    5. Follow the on-screen instructions to fill out the application, making sure to enter the SolarAPP+ pre-approval ID number you were issued by SolarAPP+ and upload your Fire Protection District approval form.
    6. Once you've paid all applicable fees your permit will be immediately issued electronically 
    Note: You will need to log into your online account for the Permit Portal or register for an account if you do not have one. 
For more information on how to use SolarAPP+, please check out the frequently asked questions.

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

This includes new, remodels of, or adding additional space to single-family residential construction.

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

Multi-family residential buildings and commercial structures fall under this category, whether for new construction or remodeling of existing buildings.

SIGN PERMITS

Sign permits are issued in order to mount signs on the side of a building, as a monument, on a pole, or free-standing with post supports.

OVER-THE-COUNTER PERMITS

Construction work involving the following activities may be eligible for an Over-the-Counter permit:

  • Re-roofing
  • Re-wiring electrical service panels and outlets
  • Mechanical (refurbishing heating and cooling units)
  • Re-siding
  • Plumbing
  • Solar


FURTHER INFORMATION

Building Permit applications and handouts contain further relevant information.  If you have any questions, please contact us at (707) 725-7600.

Building Inspection

PLAN REVIEW AND ON-SITE INSPECTION

Construction standards are based on the 2022 California Building Code. City Building Inspectors review plans prior to construction for accuracy and compliance with current building codes.

On-site inspections are used to verify that proper construction techniques are employed.

The work of the inspector is to assure the property owner that their building is structurally resistant to the effects of wind, rain, earthquakes, termites, and fire.

Further information can be found under Resources, Applications, and Handouts.

Code complianceConstruction without proper building permits and land use activity that is contrary to Fortuna Municipal Code provisions is ultimately harmful to the community.

Violations are reviewed by staff and appropriate corrective measures are addressed by Planning or Building personnel based on the nature of the issue.

ContactGary Goade
Building Official
707-725-1404
ggoade@ci.fortuna.ca.us

Jeff Baldwin
707-725-1405
Building Inspector
jbaldwin@ci.fortuna.ca.us

Building Counter
Monday - Friday (Excluding Holidays)
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

              BEGINNING APRIL 19
New Building Division Counter Hours        

Monday – Thursday (Excluding Holidays)
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday by appointment


Ph: (707) 725-7600
Fx: (707) 725-7610

Building Inspection
Monday - Friday (Excluding Holidays)
8:00 am - 3:30 p.m.

Ph: (707) 725-7640

Please note:

  • Notification the day before is preferred
  • Leave a message before 8 a.m. for same-day inspection
  • No final inspections will be done after 1 p.m.
Located at:
621 11th St.
Fortuna, CA 95540

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 545
Fortuna, CA 95540